Jim Morrow, renowned mountaineer, delivered an enthralling presentation at the June 2024 meeting, not about scaling towering peaks, but about retracing the legendary journey of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Morrow recounted Shackleton’s incredible story of resilience and determination against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, was wrecked in the Weddell Sea, leaving the crew stranded on the ice. They eventually made their way to Elephant Island. Shackleton and six crew members then embarked on a perilous voyage to South Georgia in search of help. They crossed the island’s treacherous mountains, a feat never before attempted, and reached a whaling station. Despite three failed attempts to rescue his men due to impassable ice, Shackleton, with the assistance of the Chilean Navy, finally succeeded on his fourth attempt. Miraculously, not a single man had died.
The full account of this extraordinary journey is detailed in our newsletter, accompanied by stunning photographs of Antarctica and the Polar Pioneer. This ice-strengthened ship carried Jim Morrow and his fellow adventurers to Antarctica, Elephant Island, and South Georgia.
Additionally, the June 2024 newsletter features highlights from the mid-winter lunch at the Parkhouse Restaurant in Whenuapai, which was preceded by a delightful visit to Totara Waters Garden. This 2-acre property, nestled on the upper Waitemata Harbour, is owned by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle.
